BTS' RM Makes Generous Donation To Museum On His 26th Birthday

KEY POINTS

BTS' leader RM turned 26 on Sept. 12
He marked the occasion by donating $84,200 to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The donation will be used to reprint hard-to-find books that promote art that will be sent to schools and public libraries

BTS’ RM turned a year older Sept. 12, and he marked the occasion with a generous donation to a field he's passionate about: art.

RM, who turned 26 on Saturday, donated 100 million won ($84,200) to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, South Korean outlet Star Today reported. The donation will be used to reprint hard-to-find books that promote art.

These books will be sent to 400 public libraries and school libraries across South Korea and will also be available for purchase at the museum’s bookstore in October.

Yoon Bum Mo, the director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, said RM, born Kim Nam Joon, wanted children and teens to gain inspiration through books about art.

“RM expressed his desire to support the field of art, in which he has found inspiration and comfort,” Yoon said in a statement. “Just as he was able to gain a deeper understanding of art through books, he shared his hope that children and youth who may not find it easy to access museums will be able to easily come into contact with art [through these books]. We were delighted and surprised by his wish.”

He continued, “Together with RM, who continually visits the museum in spite of his busy schedule and has been a positive influence in increasing interest in art, we will work hard to expand the practice of reading books about art.”

RM’s birthday was a working day for the K-pop star, but he took time out of his busy schedule to spend with BTS fans, the ARMY.

As a treat to his fans, RM also hosted a V Live session on his birthday that featured other BTS members, including Jungkook, Suga, Jimin, J-Hope. V did not join the festivities as he was sleeping.

During the live stream, RM revealed that he has been busy preparing for the program “The Music Day,” where he and his BTS bandmates performed “Dynamite” for the first time on Japanese TV on Saturday, and briefly met up with his parents to celebrate his birthday.

The BTS leader also thanked fans for making their latest all-English single a massive success.

“Dynamite” continues to break records and has ranked no. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks.